What is Panoramic VR?
Panoramic VR are image movies that are viewed interactively. The viewer uses the computer's cursor to explore the moving image, allowing a complete 360 degree rotation. Panoramic VR, because of its interactive nature, is the closest you can come to actually "being there."

What is the difference between spherical, cylindrical, and cubical VR?
Both Spherical VR and Cubical VR record the full environment, 180 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally (often incorrectly referred to as 360 X 360) , thus creating a complete "photo bubble."

Cylindrical VR records a limited range of vision, usually 120 degrees vertically by 360 degrees horizontally, which is often the preferred mode when shooting outdoor landscapes where too much file size is wasted on empty sky or pavement.

Concierge360 uses all three formats, depending on the scene we are shooting. We won't waste valuable file size - and hence download time - on insignificant content. Our goal is to create content-rich, artistically complete VR movies in the most economical file size possible.

What is QuickTime VR?
QuickTime is Apple Computer's multimedia technology for playing digital media, including Concierge360 Virtual Tours on either Mac or PC computers. QuickTime is preinstalled on all Mac computers, and is offered free to PC users as a simple download. The download includes the QuickTime Plug-in, which extends the capability of your web browser to view QuickTime VR movies. We use QuickTime, not just because of its quality, but because it has the largest installed user base compared to other plug-ins.

What is Java VR?
Java allows your web browser to view VR movies without having to download a plug-in. We provide a small Java Applet program called PTViewer to our Concierge360 movies, allowing them to play on all popular web browsers. Java viewers download automatically when the image is being loading, and stay in the computer's cache memory until the session is over, obviating the need for a manual download or installation. Java works well with any kind of computer, including PC, Mac, Lynix, and Unix. The vast majority of web browsers, including Netscape Communicator 4.01 or higher, and Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher, are Java friendly.

Which is better, QuickTime or Java?
Everything is a tradeoff. Quicktime can handle higher quality, higher resolution VRs but require the QuickTime plug-in to be installed. Java applets provide slightly lower performance and quality, but eliminate the need to download any additional software, and appeals to a broader spectrum of computer users. Smaller file sizes when using Java also means the movies are up and running sooner.

Generally speaking, high performance users are better off using QuickTime, while low bandwidth users should stick to Java. Concierge360 offers the best of both worlds by allowing users to decide whether to use QuickTime or Java.

What will the Virtual Tour page look like?
A button on your home page will bring up the Virtual Tour page, which will match your existing website in style, color, and font - a seamless addition that will add another dimension to your marketing effort.

How do I put a Concierge360 virtual tour onto my web site?
When we send you email notification that your proofs are ready, you just go to our website, click on the client log-in button, and punch in your ID to view the finished product. Upon your approval, we will upload the virtual tour to your website, or will make the virtual tour ready for download by your webmaster. If you need any help, just call our support team.

What are the advantages of using Concierge360 instead of IPIX?
Though we are IPIX-enabled, we prefer to shoot with distortion-free standard lenses instead of the usual fisheye lens. For IPIX VRs, only two fisheye shots are taken, sewn together and batch processed. We shoot anywhere from 12 to 38 photos, often in two separate series, which are then stitched together using the most sophisticated software in the field. Images are then imported into Photoshop to correct for shimmering, over- or under-exposures, noise, stitch marks, blurs, or any other imperfections that might mar the final image.

Will shooting the virtual tour be disruptive to my guests?
No. We have plenty of experience working in many of the finest hotels in the world, and know how to maintain a low profile. We are conscious that your guests are paying for relaxation and comfort, and don't want to be bothered by obtrusive photographers barking at them to stay out of the "shoot." We often take our best photos in the early morning hours, or late at night when the public areas are empty of people.

What makes Concierge360 unique from the other providers of virtual tours?
We specialize in hotels. Period. We don't do car shows, real estate sales, amusement parks, or any of the other venues where virtual reality photography is employed. As hotel media specialists, we have decades of experience in the international hospitality industry, and understand the importance of knowing the market.

We also shoot our own photographs. Most companies rely on a network of semi-professional or amateur photographers to cover their territory. Or else travel costs are billed back to the buyer. We pay all of our own travel costs except for lodging, where we request a one night "comp." (Often times, the best time to shoot is at 1 am in the morning.) The result: you pay for just the photography, not a a bunch of miscellaneous expenses.

How long does it take for the Concierge360 movie to download?
All VR files are compressed for quicker download time. The quicker the download, the lower the viewing quality. We work hard to keep quality high and download time to a minimum. Our average file runs anywhere from 75k to 300k, downloading in 35 seconds when using a 56k modem. To make the wait interesting instead of irritating, we provide a lively text description your clients can read while the image file downloads.

Can I use Concierge360 virtual tours as part of an email promotion?
Yes. Most sales managers love being able to send a virtual tour as an email when solicited for information. In fact, nothing delivers a better representation of your hotel than an email virtual tour. Email format images are supplied on a CD at no extra cost when purchasing the Concierge360 virtual tour.

How do I order a Concierge360 virtual tour?
Click on the "Request for Proposal" button on our home page, and we'll send you the particulars, along with a quoted price schedule.